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INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD 9978
First edition
1992-02-l 5

Radiation protection - Sealed radioactive

sources - Leakage test methods

Radiopro tee tion - Sources radioactives scell@es - MHhodes d’essai

dWanch6it6

Reference number
IS0 9978: 1992(E)
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IS0 9978:1992(E)

Contents
Page

1 Scope ..... ... ... ..... ... ... .... ...... ... ....-......................................................... 1

2 Normative reference . .... .... ... .. ... ... .... .... ... ...... ....... ..... .... ... ... ....-......... 1

3 Definitions . .... ..... ... ..... .... .... ... .... .... ..m............. ...... .. ... .... .... ..... .. ..... ... .. . I

4 Requirements . .... ..... ..... ... ... .... ... .... ....f..........~.............................. 2

5 Test methods by radioactive means .... ....... ...... ... .... ... .... .... ...~.. 4

6 Test methods by non-radioactive means .. ..... ....-..................... 5

Annexes

A Guidance for the choice of the tests to be carried out according to

control and sealed source type .......... ...................................... 8

B Bibliography .............................................................................. 10

6 IS0 1992
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without
permission in writing from the publisher.
International Organization for Standardization
Case Postaie 56 l CH-1211 Genhve 20 * Switzerland
Printed in Switzerland

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IS0 9978:1992(E)

Foreword /I

IS0 (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide

federation of national standards bodies (IS0 member bodies). The work
of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through IS0
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for
which a technical committee has been established has the right to be
represented on that committee. International organizations, govern-
mental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the
work. IS0 collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
Draft International Standards adopted by the technical committees are
circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an inter-
national Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member
bodies casting a vote.
International Standard IS0 9978 was prepared by Technical Committee
ISO/TC 85, Nuclear energy, Sub-Committee SC 2, Radiation protection.
Annex A forms an integral part of this International Standard. Annex B
is for information only.

...
III
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IS0 9978:1992(E)

Introduction
The use of sealed radioactive sources has become so widespread that
standards to guide the user, manufacturer and regulatory agency are
necessary. When establishing these standards, radiation protection is
the prime consideration.
Leakage test methods for sealed radioactive sources were published in
ISO/TR 4826’) and the experience acquired since this date has permitted
the elaboration of this International Standard.

1) lSO/TR 4826: 1979, Sealed radioactive sources - Leak test methods

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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD IS0 9978:1992(E)

Radiation protection - Sealed radioactive sources -

Leakage test methods

1 Scope aged to investigate the possibility of applying the

most recent edition of the standard indicated below.
This International Standard specifies the different Members of IEC and IS0 maintain registers of cur-
leakage test methods for sealed radioactive rently valid International Standards.
sources. It gives a comprehensive set of procedures
using radioactive and non-radioactive means. ISO 2919:1980, Sealed radioactive sources - Classi-
fication.
This International Standard applies to the following
controls:
3 Definitions
- quality control allowing validation of required
For the purposes of this International Standard, the
tests for determining the classification of a
following definitions apply.
prototype sealed radioactive source according to
IS0 2919,
3.1 sealed radioactive source: Radioactive material
permanently sealed in one or several capsules
- production control of sealed radioactive sources;
and/or associated with a material to which it is
closely bonded. This (these) capsule(s) and/or ma-
- periodic inspections of the sealed radioactive
terial shall be strong enough to maintain leak
sources performed at regular intervals, during
tightness of the sealed source under the conditions
the working life.
of use and wear for which it was designed.
Annex A of this International Standard gives rec-
NOTE 1 In the text of this International Standard, the
ommendations to guide the user in his choice of the
term “sealed source” is used instead of “sealed radio-
most suitable method(s) according to control and active source” for brevity.
source type.
It is recognized that there may be special circum- 3.2 leaktight: Term applied to sealed sources
stances where special tests, not described in this which, after undergoing leakage testing, meet the
International Standard, may be required. limiting values given in table 1.

It is emphasized, however, that insofar as pro- 3.3 capsule: Protective envelope, usually made of
duction, use, storage and transport of sealed radio- metal, used to prevent leakage of radioactive mate-
active sources are concerned, compliance with this rial.
International Standard is no substitute for complying
with the requirements of the relevant IAEA regu- 3.4 dummy sealed source: Facsimile of a sealed
lations and other relevant national regulations. source, the capsule of which has the same con-
struction and is made with exactly the same ma-
terials as those of the sealed source that it
2 Normative reference represents but containing, in place of the radioactive
material, a substance resembling it as closely as
The following standard contains provisions which, possible in physical and chemical properties.
through reference in this text, constitute provisions
of this International Standard. At the time of publi- 35 simulated sealed source: Facsimile of a sealed
cation, the edition indicated was valid. All standards source, the capsule of which has the same con-
are subject to revision, and parties to agreements struction and is made with exactly the same ma-
based on this International Standard are encour- terials as those of the sealed source that it

1
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IS0 9978:1992(E)

represents. However it contains, in place of the range of limiting values 1 pPa-rn3-s-1

radioactive material, a substance resembling it as = IO-6 pa-m3.s-l 3 IO-5 atm.cm%-1 = 7,5 x IO-3
closely as possible in physical and chemical lusec.
properties and only radioactive material of tracer
4 Requirements
NOTE 2 The tracer shall be in a form soluble in a sol-
vent which does not attack the capsule and has the
The tests described in this International Standard
maximum activity compatible with its use in a contain- shall be carried out by competent and qualified per-
ment enclosure. sons who have had appropriate training in radiation
protection.
3.6 model designation: Descriptive term or refer-
ence number to identify a specific sealed source According to the control type and the sealed source
design. type, at least one of the tests described in clauses
5 and 6 should be carried out [see annex A for the
choice of the test(s)].
3.7 prototype sealed source: Original of a sealed
source which serves as a pattern for the manufac- However, in the case where a special test, which is
ture of all sealed sources identified by the same not described in this International Standard, is car-
model designation. ried out (see clause I), the user should be able to
demonstrate that the applied method is at least as
3.8 quality control: on a prototype sealed
Controls effective as the corresponding method(s) given in
source which are necessary to establish the com- this International Standard.
pliance of the sealed sources with IS0 2919, includ-
ing the determination of the classification. It should be noted that it is often normal practice to
carry out more than one type of leakage test and
3.9 production control: Performance testing of a also to perform a final wipe test as a contamination
new sealed source before sealed sources of the check.
same model designation are put into actual manu-
facture and use. At the conclusion of the performed test(s), the
sealed source shall be considered to be leaktight if
3.10 recurrent inspections: Particular controls per- it complies with the limiting values specified in
formed at regular intervals in order to establish table 1.
(both during storage and use) the leak tightness of
If there is no direct correspondance between the
the sealed source.
levels of measurement of the different methods, the
results will depend upon measurement equipment
3.11 leakage: Transfer of radioactive material from
and procedures.
the sealed source to the environment.
A leakage rate of 10 pPa.m3-s-1 for non-leachable
3.12 non-leachable: Term used to convey that the solid contents and a rate of 0,l yPa*m%-1 for
radioactive material in the form contained in the leachable solids, liquids and gases would, in most
sealed source is virtually insoluble in water and is cases, be considered to be equivalent to the activity
not convertible into dispersible products (see release limit of 2 kBq (E 50 nCi) according to [12].
IS0 2919).
A further confirmation of the volumetric acceptance
3.13 standard helium leakage rate: Helium leakage threshold is given by [2]. A leakage rate of
rate at an upstream pressure of IO5 Pa + 5 x IO3 Pa IO-7 atm-cm%--1 or less based on dry air at 298 K
and a downstream pressure of IO3 Pa or less at a (25 “C) and for a pressure difference of 1 atm
temperature of 296 K + 7 K (23 “C + 7 OC); in this against a vacuum of IO-* atm or less is considered
International StandardThe unit micro Pascal cubic to represent a loss of leaktightness, irrespective of
meter per second is used, taking into account the the physical nature of the content.

2
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IS0 9978:1992(E)

Table 1 - Threshold detection vaiues and limiting valules for different test methods
Limiting value
Threshold
Test method Sub-clause
detection value Non-leachable Leachable or
con tent gaseous content

Activity, Bq km

Immersion test (hot liquid) 5.1.1 10 to 1 w 02

Immersion test (boiling liquid) 5.1.2 10 to 1 072 02

Immersion test with a liquid 5.1.3 10 to 1 02 02

‘scintillator

Gaseous emanation test 5.2.1 4 to 0,4 -4 02

(***Rn/l2 h)

Emanation test with a liquid 5.2.2 0,4 to 0,004 -3 072

scintillator (***Rn/l2 h)

Wet wipe test 5.3.1 10 to 1 072 072

Dry wipe test 5.3.2 10 to 1 02 02

Standard helium leakage rate, ilPa.rn3.s ---I

Helium test 6.1.1 lo--2 to 10-d 1 10-2

Helium pressurization test 6.1.2 1 to 1o-2 1 1o---2

Vacuum bubbie test 6.2.1 12) 1 -3)

Hot-liquid bubble test 6.2.2 12) 1 -3

Gas pressurization bubble test 6.2.3 12) 1 -3)

Liquid nitrogen bubble test 6.2.4 1o---2 2) 1 10-Z

Mass gain of water, kig

Water pressurization test 6.3 10 50 -3)

1) Unsuitable.
2) These detection limits are applicable only to single leaks under favourable visual conditions.
3) Not sensitive enough.

Prior to any testing, except in the case of recurrent - proportionality factor between the volume of the
inspections, the sealed source shall be thoroughly sealed source and the volume of the test en-
cleaned and shall undergo a thorough visual exam- closure used for certain tests, as well as the
ination. volume of liquid used to cover the sealed source
to be tested.
All equipment used for tests shall be suitably main-
tained and calibrated periodically. The wipe test should not be considered as a leakage
test, except for some specific types of sources (e.g.
Where applicable, the following parameters should sources with thin windows), for recurrent in-
be specified, whenever possible: spections and in cases where no other test is more
suitable.
- pressure, Wipe tests or liquid immersion test samples should,
wherever possible, be checked immediately on
- temperature, basic contamination measuring equipment; for ex-

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IS0 9978:1992(E)

ample, a Geiger counter to establish whether there is considered effective for removal of all traces of
is any gross contamination prior to final measure- radioactive materials present.
ment on more sophisticated calibrated equipment.
Immerse the sealed source in a liquid at room tem-
perature 293 K + 5 K (20 “C + 5 “C) and maintain it
5 Test methods by radioactive means at this temperature for 24 h_ Remove the sealed
source and measure the activity of the liquid.

5.1 Immersion tests 5.1.5 Approval criteria

51.1 Immersion test (hot liquid) The sealed source is considered to be leaktight if
the activity detected does not exceed 0,2 kBq
immerse the sealed source in a liquid which does (w 5 nCi).
not attack the material of the outer surfaces of this
source and which, under the conditions of this test, 5.2 Gaseous emanation tests
is considered effective for removal of all traces of
radioactive materials present. Examples of such liq-
uids include distilled water and weak detergent sol- 5.2.1 Gaseous emanation test by absorption (for
utions or chelation agents and also slightly alkaline radium-226 sealed sources)
or acid solutions with concentrations of about 5 %.
Heat the liquid to 323 K rt_5 K (50 “C 5 5 “C) and Place the sealed source in a small gas-tight con-
maintain it at that temperature for at least 4 h. Re- tainer with a suitable absorbent, for example acti-
move the sealed source and measure the activity of vated carbon, cotton or polyethylene, and leave it for
the liquid. at least 3 h. Remove the source and close the con-
tainer. Immediately measure the activity of the ab-
NOTE 3 An ultrasonic cleaning method can also be sorbent.
used. in this case, the immersion time in the liquid at
343 K +
- 5 K (70 “C + - 5 “C) can be reduced to approxi- 52.2 Gaseous emanation test by immersion with a
mately 30 min.
liquid scintillator (for radium-226 sealed sources)

5.1.2 Immersion test (boiling liquid) Follow the procedure described in 5.1.3.

Immerse the sealed source in a liquid which does 5.2.3 Gaseous emanation test (for krypton-85
not attack the material of the outer surfaces of the sealed sources)
source and which, under the conditions of this test,
is considered effective for removal of all traces of Maintain the sealed source under reduced pressure
radioactive materials present. Boil for 10 min, allow for 24 h. Analyse the content of the chamber for
to cool, then rinse the sealed source in a fresh batch krypton-85 by a plastic scintillation counting tech-
of liquid. Repeat these operations twice, re- nique. Repeat the test after at least 7 days.
immersing the source in the original liquid. Remove
the sealed source and measure the activity of the
liquid. 5.2.4 Other gaseous emanation tests

Any other test methods which are equivalent to

51.3 Immersion test with a liquid scintillator those described in 5.2.1 to 5.2.3 may be used.
Immerse the sealed source for at least 3 h at room
5.2.5 Approval criteria
temperature in a liquid scintillator solution which
does not attack the material of the outer surface of
the source. Store away from light to avoid When the tests described in 5.2.1 and 5.2.2 are
photoluminiscence. Remove the sealed source and completed, the sealed source is considered to be
measure the activity of the liquid by a liquid scintil- leaktight if the activity detected does not exceed
lation counting technique. 0,2 kBq (M 5nCi) of radon for a collection time of
12 h. When the test period is shorter than 12 h, ap-
propriate corrections shall be made.
5.1.4 Immersion test at room temperature2)
When the tests described in 5.2.3 and 5.2.4 are
Immerse the sealed source in a liquid which does completed, the sealed source is considered to be
not attack the material of the outer surfaces of this leaktight if the activity detected does not exceed
source and which, under the conditions of this test, 4 kBq/24 h (z 100 nCV24 h).

2) This test may be useful where hot liquid tests are not practical, however the latter are recomm ended wh enever possible
since th eir u se has been widely recognized for many years and also because they may be more effective.

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5.3 Wipe tests
If a wipe test is used to determine leak tightness af-
ter mechanical or thermal prototype testing, the
sealed sources to be tested shall be cleaned (de-
contaminated) prior to the tests.
When the wipe test is a means of leakage testing
carried out at the manufacturing stage, the sealed
source shall be cleaned prior to the test and a ‘I-day
waiting period shall be observed before the test.
In the case of the wipe test methods, it is necessary
to take into account the technique used, the instru-
mentation and the pressure applied, because the
method used may not give sufficiently accurate
reproducibility guarantees.
5.3.1 Wet wipe test
Wipe all the external surfaces of the sealed source
thoroughly with a swab of filter paper or another
suitable highly absorbant material, moistened with
a liquid which will not attack the material of which
the external surfaces of the sealed source are made
and which, under the conditions of this test, has
been demonstrated to be effective in removing any
radioactive material present. Measure the activity
of the swab.
The data given in this International Standard for the
relationship between volumetric leakage rates and
ioss of radioactive material are based on values
published in IAEA documents and, although they
have not been conftrmed absolutely by experimental
work, volumetric leakage test methods have been
used for many years and experience shows that they
can be accepted as valid test methods.
Before conducting any of the tests described in 6.1
to 6.3, the sealed source should be thoroughly
cleaned and dried.
For sealed sources with leachable or gaseous con-
tent, the helium test described in 6.1 can be used.
Ensure that there are no gross defects which might
invalidate the results of the described test, for ex-
ample by visual inspection or by a method less
sensitive than that of the described test. For these
tests to be valid, except that described in 6.3, the
free volume inside the sealed source shall be
greater than 0,l cm3. If this test is used for sealed
sources with a free volume of less than 0,l cm3, the
user shall be able to demonstrate the validity of the
testPI.
Because of their lower detection limit, only those
tests using helium (6.1) are applicable to sealed
sources with leachable or gaseous contents.

5.3.2 Dry wipe test 6.1 Helium mass spectrometer leakage tests
This test can be used in situations where it may not 6.1.1 Helium test
be appropriate to use a wet swab, for example for
high activity cobalt-60 sources or in some recurrent Place the sealed source containing helium in a suit-
inspections. able vacuum chamber, which is subsequently
To carry out the test, thoroughly rub all the external evacuated through a helium mass spectrometer.
surfaces of the sealed source with a dry swab of fil- Evaluate the actual helium leakage rate in accord-
ter paper and measure the activity of the swab. ance with the recommendations of the manufacturer
of the leakage test equipment.
5.3.3 Approval criteria Ensure that the free volume inside the sealed source
contains a concentration of commercial grade he-
If the activity detected does not exceed 0,2 kBq lium of more than 5 %. The indicated helium
(z 5nCi), the sealed source is considered to be leakage rate according to the previous evaluation
leaktight. divided by the concentration of helium in the free
volume gives the actual standard helium leakage
NOTE 4 The important points concerning the use of rate.
wipe tests on accessible surfaces which are as close as
possible to the sealed source and the need to consider
radiation protection are noted [see clause 3, item b)]. 6.1.2 Helium pressurization test

Place the sealed source in a pressure chamber.

6 Test methods by non-radioactive means Using helium, purge the chamber of air. Pressurize
the chamber to a given helium pressure and main-
When non-radioactive procedures are used, a re- tain it for a given period. Depressurize the chamber,
lationship between volumetric leakage rate and loss clean the sealed source by flushing it with dry ni-
of radioactive material should be established. In trogen or rinsing it in a volatile fluorocarbon liquid,
practice, it is difficult to do this because of the wide and transfer it to a suitable vacuum chamber.
range of forms of radioactive material used in Measure the helium leakage rate as described in
sealed sources and also the different types of leaks. 6.1.1.
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With the indicated helium leakage rate, Q, the actual completely to a depth of at least 5 cm below the fluid
standard helium leakage rate, L, can be evaluated level. Reduce the absolute pressure in the chamber
by using the equation to between 15 kPa and 25 kPa. Observe any bubbles
emanating from the sealed source for a period of at
least 1 min.
(1)
6.2.2 Hot-liquid bubble test
where p0 = 1,01325.105 Pa.
Ensure that the sealed source is at ambient tem-
NOTES perature. Immerse it at a depth at least 5 cm below
water level in a water bath which is at a temperature
5 With helium pressure, p, in megapascals (in pratice
between 0,5 MPa and 10 MPa) maintained for a con-
between 363 K and 368 K (90 “C and 95 “C).
ditioning time t, in hours, a delay time between Glycerine at 393 K to 423 K (120 “C to 150 ?I) is an
pressurization and measurement of less than 10 min and acceptable alternative to water. Observe any bub-
taking into account the free volume, V, in cubic centi- bles emanating from the sealed source for a period
metres greater than 0,l cm3 inside the sealed source, of at least 1 min; however a minimum period of
convenient test parameters may be chosen and the test 2 min is recommended whenever possible and par-
results evaluated using the following relationship: ticularly when capsules with large thermal mass and
poor thermal conductivity are necessary.
Q = 0,35 4$ . . - (2)
6.2.3 Gas pressurization bubble test
where

is the indicated leakage rate (pPa.m3-s---l)

Place the sealed source in a suitable pressure
Q chamber of volume at least twice that of the source
L is the actual standard helium leakage rate and at least five times the free volume inside the
({‘Pa-m3-s-1) in the range between the limiting source. Pressurize the chamber with helium gas to
and 10 -2 pPa*rn%-’ at least 1 MPa and maintain it at that pressure for
15 min. Release the pressure, remove the sealed
source from the chamber and immerse it 5 cm be-
6 Equation (2) is valid in the case of molecular flow
through one or more leaks. In the case of a high percent-
low the level of ethylene glycol, isopropyl alcohol,
age of viscous laminar flow, this equation leads to a acetone or water containing a wetting agent in a
moderate over-estimation of the actual standard helium bath. Observe for bubbles emanating from the
leakage rate, but this factor only slightly influences the sealed source over a period of at least 1 min.
test result.
6.2.4 Liquid nitrogen bubble test
6.1.3 Approval criteria
Immerse the sealed source completely in liquid ni-
When these tests are completed, the sealed source trogen for a period of 5 min, then transfer it to the
is considered to be leaktight if the actual standard test liquid (normally methanol), Observe for bubbles
helium leakage rate is less than 1 llPa.rn%-1 for emanating from the sealed source over a period of
non-leachable contents and IO-2 FPa-m3-s-1 for at least 1 min.
leachable or gaseous contents (see table 1).
6.2.5 Approval criteria

6.2 Bubble leakage tests If no bubbles are observed at the end of the tests
described in 62.1 to 6.2.4, the sealed source is con-
Bubble leakage tests rely on an increase in the sidered to have a leakage rate of less than
internal pressure. Then gas from internal voids can I pPa.rn%-‘l and to be leaktight only if the contents
penetrate any leaks and form visible bubbles in a are non-leachable.
liquid bath. For one particular leak, the rate of bub-
bling increases with a decrease in surface tension.
6.3 Water pressurization test
6.2.1 Vacuum bubble test Determine the mass of the sealed source on a bal-
ance. Perform the experimental pressure test with
By using ethylene glycol, isopropyl alcohol, mineral water, wipe the sealed source dry and redetermine
or silicone oil, or water with a wetting agent as a its mass on the same balance.
leakage test fluid in a suitable vacuum chamber,
lower the air content of the fluid by evacuating the If the gain in mass is less than 50 pg, the sealed
chamber for at least 1 min. Re-establish atmos- source is considered to be leaktight but only for
pheric air pressure and submerge the sealed source non-leachable contents.
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IS0 9978:1992(E)

For this test to be valid, the calculated free volume tivity of the mass measuring equipment. This test is
within the sealed source has to be capable of hoid- applicable particularly for evaluating the external
ing at least five times as much water as the sensi- pressure test for classes 3, 4, 5 and 6 of IS0 2919.
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Annex A
(normative)

Guidance for the choice of the tests to be carried out according to control and sealed
source type

This annex provides a guide to assist in the seiec-
tion of the most suitable tests for carrying out quality
control, production control and recurrent
spections, taking into account the sealed source
type (design, characteristics, etc).
TabieA.1 is not fully comprehensive, however it
covers a wide range and can act as a guide for
many sealed source designs. it gives the preferred
test and second choice test.
A.3 Recurrent inspections
in- It is obviously necessary to test sealed sources at
regular intervals after they have been supplied by a
manufacturer, to check that they have not developed
a leak. In many countries there are statutory regu-
lations which specify the frequency of tests. The time
interval between tests may vary according to the
sealed source type and design and also the working
environment.

A.1 Leakage test for the production of These tests are not necessarily the same as those
which are appropriate during manufacture. it is im-
sealed sources
portant to take into account the utilization conditions
of the sealed source and of any specific risks that it
The most appropriate leakage test for the production
might encounter during its working life.
of sealed sources containing a radionuciide can be
determined from tabieA.1, according to their par- Thus, several conditions may be encountered in
ticular source design and technology. practice when considering recurrent tests.

A.2 Leakage tests for prototype sealed a) The sealed source can only be tested on the site
sources where it is used and it is practical to carry out a
wipe test on the nearest accessible par-t. In this
Leakage tests allowing validation of required tests case, a wipe test (5.3) is chosen. A visual exam-
for determining the classification of a prototype ination of the source should also be carried out
sealed source according to IS0 2919 may be carried if possible.
out on
WI The source can only be tested on the site where
- prototype sealed sources with the nominal it is used but direct access to the source is not
radioactive content, possible or not desirable because of the unjusti-
fied exposure of persons carrying out the test, for
- simulated sealed sources, example high activity teletherapy sources or
other sources in sealed housings. In this case,
- dummy sealed sources. wipe tests should be carried out on the nearest
accessible part.
For the last case, it will clearly be necessary to use
a non-radioactive leakage test method. WARNCNG - If activity is found to be present,
even if below the limiting value of 0,2 kE3q3)
The most appropriate leakage test will depend on (GS 5 nCi), action should be taken to establish
the sealed source technology and design and can whether this arises from source leakage. One
be determined from table A-1. procedure would be to repeat the tests at regular
intervals to determine whether the activity de-
tected is increasina.

-
3) The limiting value of 0,2 kBq is qualified by the statement that further tests shall be carried out if any activity is present.

a
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IS0 9978:1992(E)

c) Where faciiities are available to test the source used. A visual examination of the sealed source
by other methods, for example in certain hospi- should also be carried out if possible.
tals, by return to the manufacturer or by other
suitable laboratories, the methods recommended WARNING - When carrying out recurrent tests,
for production sources in table A.1 should be it is essential to ensure that radiation exposure
levels are within accepted limits.

Table A.1 - Selection of leakage test methods related to manufacturing technology

Tests to establish classification of
Tests for production sources
source
Source type

Preferred Second choice Preferred Second choice

A Sealed sources containing Immersion (5.1) Wipe (5.3) fmmersion (5.1) Wipe (5.3)
radioactive material
Al Thin single integral window,
e.g. smoke detectors
A2 Low-activity reference sources,
e.g. encapsulated in plastic

Single or double encapsulated

Immersion (5.1) Immersion (5.1)
sources (excluding 3H, **%a) Bubble (6.2)
A3 Bubble (6.2)
for gauging, radiography and Helium (6.1) Helium (6.1)
brachytherapy

Single or double encapsulated

Gaseous ema- Gaseous ema-
A4 226Ra and other gaseous Immersion (5.1) Immersion (5.1)
nation (5.2) nation (5.2)
sources

Double encapsulated sources Immersion (5.1)

A5 for teletherapy and high ac- Helium (6.1) Wipe (5.3.2) Bubble (6.2)
tivity irradiation sources Helium (6.1)

Simulated sealed sources Immersion (5.1)

B Bubble (6.2)
of Types A3, A4 and A5 Helium (6.1)

C Dummy sealed sources Helium (6.1) Bubble (6.2)

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Annex B
.(informative)

Bibliography

[I] MCMASTERS, R.C., ed., Non-destructive Testing [7] BIRAM, J., and BURROWS, B., Bubbles tests for
Handbook, Vol.1, Leak Testing, American Soci- gas tightness, Vacuum, 14(7), 1964, ~~-221-226.
ety for Non-destructive Testing/American So-
ciety for Metals, 2nd ed., 1982. [8] HOWL, D.A., and MANN, CA., The back-
pressurizing technique for leak-testing, Vac-
[2] American National Standard for Radioactive uum, 15(7), 1965, pp.347-352.
Materials, Leakage Tests on Packages for
Shipment, ANSI No.14.5-1987. [9] ASTON, D., BODIMEADE, A.H., HALL, E.G. and
TAYLOR, C.B.G., The specifications and testing
[3] ASTM E 515-74 (Reapproved 1980), Standard of radioactive sources designated as “special
Method of Testing for Leaks Using Bubble form” under the IAEA transport regulations,
Emission Techniques. Report EUR 8053 EN, 1982.

[4] ASTM F 98-72 (Reapproved 1977) Standard [IO] DWIGHT, D-J., A new method for leak-testing
Recommended Practices for Determining sealed sources of radium-226 and thorium-228,
Hermeticity of Electron Devices by a Bubble Report RCC-R 176 (1964) and Addendum
Test. RCC-R 176 (1965).

[5] ASTM F 134-78, Standard Recommended Prac- [I I] IAEA Safety Series No.6, Regulations for the
tices for Determining Hermeticity of Electron safe transport of radioactive materials, Vienna,
Devices with a Helium Mass Spectrometer Leak 1985.
Detector.
[ 121 IAEA Safety Series No.37 Advisory material for
[S] ASTM F 730-81, Standard Test Methods for the application of the IAEA transport regu-
Hermeticity of Electron Devices by a Weight- lations, Vienna, 1987.
gain Test.

10
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 Licensed to Parts Life Inc / Dmitri Witharana (dmitri@partslifeinc.com)
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IS0 9978:1992(E)

UDC 539.163:621.039.8
Descriptors: radiation protection, radiation sources, sealed sources, tests, determination, leaktightness.

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